[Nutritional aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder]

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The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
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The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

J Quintero1, J Rodríguez-Quirós, J Correas-Lauffer

  • 1Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Espana. fjquinterog@salud.madrid.org

Revista De Neurologia
|September 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is linked to dietary imbalances, particularly a deficit in omega-3 fatty acids. This review examines the role of essential fatty acids in ADHD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with unclear etiopathology despite advances in genetics and neuroimaging.
  • Lifestyle and dietary changes are increasingly implicated in various health issues, including ADHD.

Purpose:

  • To review the role of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in neuropsychiatric disorders, with a specific focus on ADHD.
  • To highlight the potential impact of dietary fatty acid imbalances on ADHD development and management.

Summary:

  • ADHD has been associated with numerous factors, including environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies (minerals, vitamins, amino acids), and diet.
  • A significant dietary shift involves increased consumption of vegetable fats and oils, leading to a reduced intake of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic acids) and an increased omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
  • EFAs are crucial for nervous system development and function, suggesting a link between their deficiency and neuropsychiatric conditions like ADHD.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive review of essential fatty acids in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly ADHD.
  • Emphasizes the importance of dietary factors, specifically omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid balance, in understanding and potentially managing ADHD.
  • Contributes to the scientific understanding of ADHD's complex etiology by focusing on nutritional influences.
Abstract

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